BlueShield Announces Opening of Only Dedicated Medicare Centers in the Region
Preventive Dental Coverage Added to Competitive Suite of Medicare Advantage Plans for 2020
Latham, NY – With the annual enrollment period approaching, BlueShield of Northeastern New York today announced the opening of two BlueShield Medicare Centers, the first dedicated Medicare storefronts in the Capital Region.
The storefronts are in response to local data that shows that 85% of enrolling Medicare members wish to do so in-person with an informed expert who can answer their questions and guide them through what can be a confusing process.
Beginning today, Medicare-eligible individuals can visit either of the following locations weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon to discuss their coverage options face-to-face with enrollment specialists: Malta Medicare Center in the Shops of Malta Plaza in Malta, NY and Guilderland Medicare Center in the Price Shopper Plaza in Guilderland, NY.
The locally based, not-for-profit health plan will offer a total of five Medicare Advantage plans in 2020 that include comprehensive coverage and access, including a $0 premium plan.
New for 2020, all BlueShield plans come with a Blue Total Health Package that includes preventive dental coverage, plus members are eligible for up to $100 annual allowance for over-the-counter prescriptions and supplies. This is in addition to the $60 rewards that BlueShield Medicare Advantage members are eligible for after receiving certain preventive services, including their annual wellness visit, colorectal cancer and/or breast cancer screening. BlueShield’s plans also offer a $0 gym membership to more than 16,000 fitness locations through SilverSneakers®.
Upon enrollment, members will gain access to the health plan’s Blue Concierge program, which provides direct access to a dedicated customer service team who can coordinate appointments and answer any health-related questions. Medicare Advantage members will also have access to a doctor 24/7 through Telemedicine hosted by Doctor On Demand and can access Care at Home℠, a program that delivers 24/7 care at home, like traditional house calls.
Individuals may choose the best Medicare Advantage and prescription drug coverage plan for their health care needs during the Oct. 15 – Dec. 7 annual enrollment period. Once enrolled, their new plan will take effect Jan. 1, 2020.
BlueShield’s Medicare Centers are located at 13 Kendall Way in Malta, NY and 1704 Western Ave. in Guilderland, NY.
In addition to visiting any of BlueShield’s new Medicare Centers, individuals can call BlueShield’s dedicated Medicare Advantage number at:
1-877-258-7453 (TTY 711), 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., 7 days a week, email SalesCenterWNY@bsneny.com, or visit bsneny.com/medicare for information on BlueShield’s 2020 Medicare Advantage products.
About BlueShield of Northeastern New York:
BlueShield of Northeastern New York is a division of HealthNow New York Inc., an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. Since 1946, BlueShield has helped millions of people lead healthier lives. BlueShield offers a full range of insured, self-insured, and government programs and services covering businesses, families, and individuals, as well as life and disability coverage, dental and vision plans and stop-loss coverage. As a community-based, not-for-profit health plan, BlueShield contributes significantly to organizations that promote physical health, community health and our region’s health.
For up-to-date news, facts, and information about the company, leadership, and industry, please visit the BlueShield News Center at bsneny.com/news or follow us on Twitter.
BlueShield of Northeastern New York is a Medicare Advantage plan with a Medicare contract and enrollment depends on contract renewal.
About enrollment
Individuals must have both Parts A and B to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. Individuals may enroll in a plan only during specific times of the year. There are additional enrollment guidelines. Contact BlueShield for more information.
About our partners
SilverSneakers® is a registered mark of Tivity Health, Inc. Tivity Health is an independent company that administers the SilverSneakers® gym benefit. Care at Home ℠is a program for BlueShield of Northeastern New York members and is administered by Landmark Health. Doctor On Demand is an independent company that administers the telemedicine benefit.
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